Eswatini’s unemployment rate has declined over the past two years, with the latest Labour Force Survey showing a gradual improvement in the country’s labour market despite continued high levels of joblessness.
According to the 2025 Labour Force Survey released by Labour and Social Security Minister Phila Buthelezi on Monday, unemployment fell to 33.5 percent in 2025 from 35.4 percent recorded in 2023.
The decline represents a modest improvement as the government continues efforts to expand employment opportunities, strengthen livelihoods and address economic challenges affecting households.
Buthelezi said the latest figures provide important data for shaping future labour policies and supporting programmes aimed at creating more jobs.
Youth unemployment, one of Eswatini’s biggest economic challenges, also recorded an improvement, falling from 56 percent in 2023 to 52.2 percent in 2025.
Female unemployment declined from 37.6 percent to 36.4 percent over the same period, indicating some progress in improving access to employment opportunities for women.
Officials said the findings would help guide evidence-based policies focused on job creation, economic inclusion and reducing vulnerabilities that could contribute to social and economic instability.
Despite the improvement, Eswatini continues to face one of the highest unemployment rates in the region, with young people remaining particularly affected by limited job opportunities.
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The government has been seeking to promote economic growth through investment, private-sector development and initiatives aimed at supporting entrepreneurship and skills development.
Labour authorities said continued efforts would be needed to ensure that economic growth translates into sustainable employment and improved living standards.
Analysts say the decline in unemployment is a positive sign, but the pace of improvement remains slow and will require stronger investment, industrial expansion and diversification of the economy.
The latest figures are expected to inform government planning as Eswatini works to address long-standing labour market pressures and create more opportunities for its growing workforce.
